Vikings Will Not Pick Up RB Adrian Peterson’s Option, Will Be A Free Agent

Update:

Charles Robison mentions that a starting role and salary will be a priority for Adrian Peterson, but he could be willing to adjust depending on a number of factors such as the team, situation and opportunity.

• Robinson doesn’t rule out Peterson signing a “heavily incentivized” deal, depending on these circumstances.
• As for potential landing spots, Robinson expects the Raiders, Giants, and Buccaneers to all have interest with a return to the Vikings still an option.
• Chris Tomasson spoke to a someone close to Peterson who mentioned that it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Raiders be a “very strong candidate” to sign him.
• A source tells Jeremy Fowler that playing alongside an established quarterback will be a “strong consideration” for Peterson.
• A source has told that Ian Rapoport that if Peterson were to be a free agent, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones would look to pair him with Ezekiel Elliott.

Peterson released a statement, via Josina Anderson, regarding the team’s decision to not pick up his option:

“It’s been a great 10 years with the Minnesota Vikings. They know what I bring to the organization as a player, with my work ethic and dedication. I spoke with Rick Spielman this past weekend. The door is still open to find some common ground. I understand addressing the offensive line is one of their main priorities this offseason. In the meantime, I will explore my other options and see what path God leads me on. My main goal remains the same: to win a Super Bowl championship with a great team, which I also believe we have in Minnesota.”

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The Minnesota Vikings announced Tuesday that they will not exercise RB Adrian Peterson’s 2017 option, which means he will become an unrestricted free agent next week.

“Adrian is an important part of the Minnesota Vikings organization,” said Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman. “We will continue to have conversations with his representatives and leave our future options open while determining what is best for both parties moving forward.”

It was clear that the Vikings weren’t going to keep him at his current price, but there was at least some hope that they could reach an agreement on a reduced salary that would allow him to be back in Minnesota next year.

Peterson is now in a position to test the free agent market for the first time in his career. Teams like the Cowboys, Packers Giants and Buccaneers have all been tossed out as speculative landing spots for the Peterson, but we’ll have to see how his market develops.

Some have wondered if Peterson will be willing to accept both a reduced salary and role next year or whether he would prefer to retire, so that’s also something to keep an eye on.

Peterson, 31, is a former first-round pick of the Vikings back in 2007. He was entering the final year of his three-year, $44 million contract that included $20 million guaranteed and was set to make a base salary of $11.75 million to go along with a $6 million roster bonus due on March 11.

In 2016, Peterson has rushed for 72 yards on 37 carries (1.9 YPC) to go along with three receptions for eight yards receiving and no touchdowns over the course of three games.